Paint, Pattern, Print Exhibition Review: Inspiration from Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell

My recent visit to the Paint, Pattern, Print exhibition at the Design and Textile Museum was a truly inspiring experience filled with colour, creativity, and design history. The exhibition explores how painting, pattern design, and textile printing come together to create beautiful fabrics, wallpapers, fashion, and interiors.

Rather than only showing finished products, the exhibition reveals the full creative process—from sketches and painted studies to print samples and final designs. This makes it especially inspiring for designers and artists, showing that great ideas develop through experimentation, not perfection.

One of the highlights was learning about the story of Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell, two of Britain’s most influential textile designers. The sisters became famous for their bold floral prints, vibrant colours, and hand-painted patterns that transformed everyday interiors into works of art.

Their designs were created for well-known brands such as Liberty, Habitat, and Conran, helping shape modern British interior design. What made their work special was their belief in finding inspiration through observation—nature, travel, gardens, and everyday life all influenced their patterns.

Seeing their original sketches and design development was a powerful reminder that creativity starts with simple ideas and careful observation.

The exhibition also shows how traditional textile techniques can be reimagined in contemporary design, proving that pattern design is both timeless and constantly evolving.

My visit to Paint, Pattern, Print left me feeling creatively refreshed. It reminded me that design is not just about decoration—it is about storytelling, emotion, and turning inspiration into something meaningful. For any artist or designer, this exhibition is a beautiful reminder to trust the creative process.